Alana Goldsmith's mother, Judy, and sister Simone, at their home in Cammeray. Photo: Getty Images/Ben Rushton

"It is clear the mental illness/condition anorexia nervosa played a foundational role in Alana Goldsmith's decision and ultimately her tragic death," Mr Douglass said in findings handed down on Monday.

The former Barker College student died at Summer Hill train station in July 2011, five days after she had been admitted to Wesley Hospital's eating disorder unit at Ashfield.

Ms Goldsmith's mother, Judy, said the inquest into her daughter's death highlighted serious concerns with and failures by the clinic.

"We believe that patients who admit voluntarily to a mental health unit should be kept in a safe environment with a level of vigilance appropriate to their assessed level of risk," she said on Monday.

"We look forward to a time when optimal treatment and care is the norm for all Australians suffering with eating disorders."

She said Ms Goldsmith, her "darling girl", was one of 1800 Australians who died each year from an eating disorder.

The family said they were pleased the clinic had improved its security and motoring of patients since Ms Goldsmith's death.

A spokesman for Wesley Mission, which runs the hospital, said it would look in detail at the findings and recommendations of the inquest.

"We know this is a difficult time for all concerned. We have been and continue to be deeply saddened by the death of Alana Goldsmith and extend our deepest and heartfelt sympathies to her family and those who knew her."

Eating disorder support group The Butterfly Foundation said the death highlighted glaring gaps in the mainstream healthcare system that needed to be addressed to prevent more deaths.

"It is imperative that the federal government take leadership in prioritising eating disorders as a mainstream health issue," Butterfly chief executive Christine Morgan said.

Mr Douglass mentioned several times the horrific affect anorexia nervosa had on the mind and body.

"I have said this before but it is worth one more repetition, anorexia nervosa ravages the body and the brain, articulating it as a very insidious and debilitating mental illness/condition," he said.

More than 1 million Australians live with a clinical eating disorder but only about 20 per cent are accessing treatment, according to statistics obtained by Butterfly.